Fred Hoiberg’s name came up during Phil Jackson’s coaching search because of his history with the triangle offense.

But the first-year Bulls coach, who replaced hard-nosed Tom Thibodeau, is already feeling some heat from one of his stars — Jimmy Butler.

After the Knicks routed the tired Bulls, 107-91, Butler appeared to call out Hoiberg for not being hard enough on his players.

“I believe in the guys in this locker room, but I also believe we probably have to be coached a lot harder at times,” Butler said. “I’m sorry, I know Fred is a laid-back guy and I really respect him for that, but when guys aren’t doing what they’re supposed to do, you have to get on guys — myself included.”

Hoiberg played four seasons with the Bulls, working the triangle in the post-Jackson era for coaches Tim Floyd, then Bill Cartwright.

The Bulls (15-10) were terrible then, but it was no fault of the offensive system, according to the man known as “The Mayor.’’

“I think they’re doing a great job with it,’’ Hoiberg said of the Knicks’ triangle before Saturday’s game. “They’re moving, cutting, playing it with pace. I personally like the triangle when I played in it. We didn’t have the ideal team with two 18 year-old kids in Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler. I think it’s an offense that’s for movement. You have to know all five spots and read and react.

“I liked playing in it, especially with Elton Brand, who averaged 20 and 10 as a rookie. If I found the right spot, it was an opportunity to get shots. If I would’ve played with Kobe [Bryant] and [Michael] Jordan it would’ve been a great offense.’’

Jackson has said he reached out to a few college coaches before hiring Fisher in June 2014. Hoiberg, then at Iowa State, was the hot name at the time and eventually landed with the Bulls as the replacement to Tom Thibodeau before this season. Hoiberg has said he spoke to a few NBA teams. It’s believed Jackson and Hoiberg spoke on the phone because of his triangle knowhow, but that was the extent of it.